'God has a plan for you,' graduates are told at FMBC
About a dozen children were recognized for their accomplishments by their church family.
The students recognized are all members of First Missionary Baptist Church located at 1515 SE 15th St. The service was held in recognition of National Children's Day and to honor church members who have graduated from various levels of education this graduation season.
The theme for the service was 'God Has A Plan For Our lives.'
The graduates were ushered into the sanctuary during a processional led by Gloria Simmons, director of Christian education at the church.
Christian Felton presided over the service.
"Heavenly Father, I thank you for this day, time and this moment," said Deacon James Collier Jr. "Thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you that you never left us nor forsake us. When we were lost, you took us back to your heavenly flock. Touch these FMBC kids, lead them forward. Cover them with your blood. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
The graduates honored included Jonah Howard, Noah Howard, Elias Vinson, Miracle Cromarty, Aubrey Curtis, August Davis, Vonzo Rigsby, Gracy Turner, Dylan Hathcock, Ryan Rheaume, Tyrees Vinson, Ashlyn Young, Jadyn Gibson and James Walden.
Zaydriana Hemingway welcomed parishioners as she read Psalms 18:20-24.
"With promise, we say we're glad to be in his house and be among Christians," Hemingway said. "Thank you for joining us for Children's Day and to celebrate with us."
Afterwards, Dylan Lloyd-Williams read the theme scripture, which was Jeremiah 29:11.
It reads, "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Tyrone A. Blue, who preached about trusting God's plan no matter the circumstances.
"God's plan is better and bigger than our plan," Blue said. "His plan is more rewarding than ours. Sometimes there's difficulty because God put us in places we don't want to be in. When you leave and come out of it, you will become stronger and wiser."
Finding the silver lining in life helps people get through the hardships in their lives, Blue said.
"Make the best of it," Blue said. "God has a promise for you. If nobody else is thinking about you, He is thinking about you. God forgets our sins but He doesn't forget about us."
Blue said that everyone must honor the path God gave them specifically.
"God doesn't have the same plane for everybody in this room," Blue said. "Each person has a different blueprint and script. Regardless of what's in your script, you're in his hands."
Blue prayed over the graduates for protection and strength.
"We set time aside to honor our graduates today," Blue said. "Put your arms around them to protect and guide them. If you keep standing on Christ, everything will be alright. If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, your future is secured. Even in dark places in your life, God has a plan for you."
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Students at First Missionary Baptist Church were honored for graduating
